Explore news on St. Augustine's University struggles in NC

St. Augustine's University faces persistent financial and accreditation challenges but engages in significant partnerships to stabilize. These articles reveal the university's strategies for sustainability, such as securing a $30 million line of credit and partnering with Gothic Ventures.

Articles also report on controversial decisions like the proposed land lease with a Florida-based developer for 99 years, which drew criticism from alumni and the Attorney General's Office. Another article details how leaders see potential in merging with Shaw University as a solution to ongoing financial difficulties.

Read on:

An entrance to St. Augustine’s University on Oakwood Ave. in Raleigh, N.C., photographed Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023. By Ethan Hyman

NO. 1: ST. AUGUSTINE’S UNIVERSITY REGAINS ACCREDITATION AFTER A COMMITTEE’S UNANIMOUS DECISION

After months of uncertainty, St. Aug’s secured a win on Monday with a unanimous reversal of the decision to strip its accreditation. | Published July 22, 2024 | Read Full Story by Korie Dean

People march during a rally to save St. Augustine’s University in Raleigh, N.C. on Monday, April 29, 2024. The event was organized by the Capital City Hope Foundation, Falcons Unite, and the SAVESAU Coalition. By Kaitlin McKeown

NO. 2: ST. AUG’S ALUM: MERGER BETWEEN THESE 2 NC HBCUS WILL HELP SAVE BOTH | OPINION

Merger between St. Aug’s and Shaw in Raleigh makes sense. Here’s why. | Opinion | Published July 17, 2024 | Read Full Story by Barry Saunders

Nikki Dublin Turner, a St. Augustine’s alumna and Raleigh native, prepares to march around the perimeter of the university’s campus during a rally in Raleigh, N.C. on Monday, April 29, 2024. The event was organized by the Capital City Hope Foundation, Falcons Unite, and the SAVESAU Coalition.

NO. 3: DEAN’S LIST: ST. AUG’S GETS $30 MILLION LINE OF CREDIT. HOW LEADERS SAY IT WILL HELP.

Learn more in The N&O’s higher education news roundup about a new loan for St. Augustine’s University, a new campus for Wake Tech, and a new role for former Sen. Richard Burr. | Published August 20, 2024 | Read Full Story by Korie Dean

Harold Mallette, a 1981 St. Augustine’s University graduate, speaks out for more favorable terms on a multi-million dollar loan for the struggling historically Black university during a rally at City Plaza in Raleigh on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. The event was organized by dozens of clergy members, civil rights activists, and university alumni. By Travis Long

NO. 4: ‘IT DOESN’T ADD UP.’ ALUMNI, CLERGY WORRY ABOUT TERMS OF $7M LOAN FOR STRUGGLING ST. AUG’S

St. Augustine’s University officials praised the loan as a lifeline, but now some community groups question its terms. | Published November 20, 2024 | Read Full Story by Korie Dean

Dozens of clergy members, civil rights activists, and St. Augustine’s University alumni gather at City Plaza in Raleigh on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, to rally for more favorable terms on a multi-million dollar loan for the struggling historically Black university.

NO. 5: AHEAD OF ACCREDITATION MEETING, ST. AUGUSTINE’S REPORTS DEEP BUDGET, EMPLOYMENT CUTS

The HBCU in Raleigh reports $17 million in savings as it seeks to maintain its accreditation. | Published November 23, 2024 | Read Full Story by Dan Kane

NO. 6: ST. AUG’S PARTNERS WITH FLORIDA SPORTS VENUE DEVELOPER TO LEASE LAND IN RALEIGH

The cash-strapped Raleigh HBCU is entering a 99-year deal with the developer, 50 Plus 1 Sport, a report says. | Published November 28, 2024 | Read Full Story by Brian Gordon

St. Augustine’s University graduates take part in a commencement ceremony at Wake Chapel Church in Raleigh on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024.

NO. 7: ST. AUGUSTINE’S BETS BIG IN FIGHT FOR SURVIVAL. WHY STUDENTS AND ALUMNI KEEP THE FAITH.

As St. Augustine’s prepares to appeal another decision to strip the university of its accreditation, leaders are betting on a loan and land deal. But that’s raising concerns among some alumni. | Published January 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Korie Dean

An entrance to St. Augustine’s University on Oakwood Ave. in Raleigh, N.C., photographed Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023.

NO. 8: WHAT HAPPENS IF ST. AUGUSTINE’S LOSES ACCREDITATION? THREE OTHER HBCUS COULD OFFER CLUES

If St. Augustine’s is not able to retain its accreditation with SACSCOC, there are other avenues the university could pursue in its fight to stay open. | Published January 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Korie Dean

NO. 9: LEASE COULD PUT ST. AUGUSTINE’S AT RISK OF LOSING ACCESS TO ITS OWN CAMPUS, DOCUMENTS SHOW

The state Attorney General’s Office has expressed “serious concerns” about the proposal. | Published February 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Korie Dean

NO. 10: ST. AUGUSTINE’S NO LONGER SEEKING TO LEASE ENTIRE CAMPUS. HERE’S THE SCHOOL’S NEW PLAN

The revamped deal would no longer require the approval of the state Attorney General’s Office, which had expressed “serious concerns” about the initial proposal. | Published February 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Korie Dean

NO. 11: AS UNIVERSITIES COPE WITH TRUMP, NC’S SMALLER COLLEGES FACE ‘DIFFICULT CHOICES’ | OPINION

Small colleges scramble to stay afloat as enrollment falls | Published March 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Ned Barnett

NO. 12: ST. AUGUSTINE’S UNIVERSITY ACCREDITATION DENIED ONCE AGAIN. WHAT’S NEXT?

The ruling, and St. Augustine’s plan to appeal it, sets up an exact repeat of the process the embattled university pursued last year. | Published March 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Korie Dean

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.